"She had become a physical necessity, something that he not only wanted but felt that he had a right to" (139).
Reading this, it sounds like Winston feels as though Julia's body is his and he has a right to do whatever he pleases with her. It sounds awful but its actually comprehensible. The first time him & Julia made love wasn't really an intimate action but their reason for doing it was so much better than just doing it out of affection. For once in his life, Winston performed an action so condemnable and got away with it. Naturally, it gave him a strong sense of pride and with all that adrenaline built up in him - he develops a desire to do it again and again.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
1984 - PT.2 CH 2
"Any kind of organized revolt against the Party, which was bound to be a failure, struck her [Julia] as stupid" (131).
Through most of the text, Julia is described as a girl who really despises the Party and takes pride in breaking their rules. However, she does keep in mind that she can't overpower them. She is not living in a fantasy where she believes that if she can get away with love affairs then she can take control from the Party. That is why she views any revolts against the Party as ridiculous and unsuccessful. She realizes that there is no winning when it comes to challenging the Party but she consciously breaks the rules (and puts her life on the line) to have that great feeling of rebellion.
Through most of the text, Julia is described as a girl who really despises the Party and takes pride in breaking their rules. However, she does keep in mind that she can't overpower them. She is not living in a fantasy where she believes that if she can get away with love affairs then she can take control from the Party. That is why she views any revolts against the Party as ridiculous and unsuccessful. She realizes that there is no winning when it comes to challenging the Party but she consciously breaks the rules (and puts her life on the line) to have that great feeling of rebellion.
1984 - PART 2 CHAPTER 1
"At the sight of the words I love you the desire to stay alive had welled up in him" (109).
Apparently, Winston no longer cared about his life. You can't blame him - he has no family, no friends, & he can't even gain information from the past. Then, when he reads that note, it sparks a feeling of hope within him. It almost gives him a reason to live. At his job, he is supposed to "rectify" the past but his real objective is to decipher the past. Since he can't seem to achieve this, he realizes that his life is not important. So, what's the point of living?
Question: Could this possibly be Katharine?
Apparently, Winston no longer cared about his life. You can't blame him - he has no family, no friends, & he can't even gain information from the past. Then, when he reads that note, it sparks a feeling of hope within him. It almost gives him a reason to live. At his job, he is supposed to "rectify" the past but his real objective is to decipher the past. Since he can't seem to achieve this, he realizes that his life is not important. So, what's the point of living?
Question: Could this possibly be Katharine?
Monday, February 23, 2009
1984 - CHAPTER 7 & 8
CHAPTER 7:
"Rebellion meant a look in the eyes, an inflection of the voice; at the most, an occasional whispered word" (69).
- These actions that should be part of anyones lives is considered signs of rebellion. They have no rights at all.
"Proles were natural inferiors who must be kept in subjection, like animals" (71).
- They're to be treated as senseless animals despite the fact that they're actually smart enough to steer away from this society.
- When Winston was talking to Syme, Syme mentioned that nobody in the future would be able to understand their conversation & Winston thought, "except the proles".
- However, the proles are ostracized & they mean nothing.
"The great majority of proles did not have telescreens in their homes" (71).
- Almost as if these people don't exist.
"Day and night the telescreen bruised your ears with statistics proving that people today had more food, more clothes, better houses, better recreations - that they lived longer, worked shorter hours, were bigger, healthier, stronger, happier, more intelligent, better educated than the people of 50 years ago" (74).
- The Party is extremely successful to be able to just brainwash people like such because clearly their society is nothing like that.
"It might very well be that literally every word in the history books ... was pure fantasy" (74).
"Today, probably, he would have kept that photograph ... Was the Party's hold upon the past less strong, he wondered, because a piece of evidence which existed no longer had once existed?" (79).
- Winston has more power than he thinks if he possessed evidence from the past. His observation might be correct and the Party may lose control over altering the past; [possible foreshadowing].
CHAPTER 8
"The proles were nearly always right when they gave you a warning of this kind" (84).
- The Party makes stupid decisions - the proles can be utilized as their "lookout".
"the sordid swarming life of the streets was going on as though nothing had happened" (84).
- A bomb just hit & these people don't even care. Almost as if they just checked out of life.
- The Party's idea of erasing the past obviously is spreading everywhere.
On Pg. 89, Winston is opening up about what he knows about the past & what the Party wants everyone to believe. He is sharing all the thoughts that would get him in trouble. Sounds like the proles' don't really have to worry as much what their facial expressions look like considering the fact that they don't have many telescreens.
"The few scattered survivors from the ancient world were incapable of comparing one age with another" (93).
- Again, we see how successful the Party is in making history disappear. The few old people in the society can't even remember what life was like previously which frustrates Winston.
"And yet the instant that he allowed his thoughts to wander, his feet had brought him back here of their own accord" (93).
- His thoughts will really get him in a lot of trouble. Every time he has a thought going against the party, it seems as if he may get punished. So he really needs to be careful.
"The thing was doubly attractive because of its apparent uselessness" (95).
- Though it means nothing to the rest of society, Winston takes pride in buying it. Almost as if he's the only one who refuses to believe that the past is based only on what the Party wants people to believe.
"Anything old, and for that matter anything beautiful, was always vaguely suspect" (96).
To be honest, its not surprising that Winston has been spied on this whole time.
"Rebellion meant a look in the eyes, an inflection of the voice; at the most, an occasional whispered word" (69).
- These actions that should be part of anyones lives is considered signs of rebellion. They have no rights at all.
"Proles were natural inferiors who must be kept in subjection, like animals" (71).
- They're to be treated as senseless animals despite the fact that they're actually smart enough to steer away from this society.
- When Winston was talking to Syme, Syme mentioned that nobody in the future would be able to understand their conversation & Winston thought, "except the proles".
- However, the proles are ostracized & they mean nothing.
"The great majority of proles did not have telescreens in their homes" (71).
- Almost as if these people don't exist.
"Day and night the telescreen bruised your ears with statistics proving that people today had more food, more clothes, better houses, better recreations - that they lived longer, worked shorter hours, were bigger, healthier, stronger, happier, more intelligent, better educated than the people of 50 years ago" (74).
- The Party is extremely successful to be able to just brainwash people like such because clearly their society is nothing like that.
"It might very well be that literally every word in the history books ... was pure fantasy" (74).
"Today, probably, he would have kept that photograph ... Was the Party's hold upon the past less strong, he wondered, because a piece of evidence which existed no longer had once existed?" (79).
- Winston has more power than he thinks if he possessed evidence from the past. His observation might be correct and the Party may lose control over altering the past; [possible foreshadowing].
CHAPTER 8
"The proles were nearly always right when they gave you a warning of this kind" (84).
- The Party makes stupid decisions - the proles can be utilized as their "lookout".
"the sordid swarming life of the streets was going on as though nothing had happened" (84).
- A bomb just hit & these people don't even care. Almost as if they just checked out of life.
- The Party's idea of erasing the past obviously is spreading everywhere.
On Pg. 89, Winston is opening up about what he knows about the past & what the Party wants everyone to believe. He is sharing all the thoughts that would get him in trouble. Sounds like the proles' don't really have to worry as much what their facial expressions look like considering the fact that they don't have many telescreens.
"The few scattered survivors from the ancient world were incapable of comparing one age with another" (93).
- Again, we see how successful the Party is in making history disappear. The few old people in the society can't even remember what life was like previously which frustrates Winston.
"And yet the instant that he allowed his thoughts to wander, his feet had brought him back here of their own accord" (93).
- His thoughts will really get him in a lot of trouble. Every time he has a thought going against the party, it seems as if he may get punished. So he really needs to be careful.
"The thing was doubly attractive because of its apparent uselessness" (95).
- Though it means nothing to the rest of society, Winston takes pride in buying it. Almost as if he's the only one who refuses to believe that the past is based only on what the Party wants people to believe.
"Anything old, and for that matter anything beautiful, was always vaguely suspect" (96).
To be honest, its not surprising that Winston has been spied on this whole time.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
1984 - Ch. 4
"Statistics were just as much a fantasy in their original version as in their rectified version" (41).
This society is really backwards. In our lives, statistics re a necessary factor while these people get rid of it. Winston describes that even the real statistic (before being rectified) is a fantasy. How is that possible? It's possible because it will be erased as if it never existed. If there is no evidence, then as far as anybody is concerned, the rectified version was never rectified. The fact that Winston acknowledges this makes me think he's probably the only person in this society that uses his brain.
This society is really backwards. In our lives, statistics re a necessary factor while these people get rid of it. Winston describes that even the real statistic (before being rectified) is a fantasy. How is that possible? It's possible because it will be erased as if it never existed. If there is no evidence, then as far as anybody is concerned, the rectified version was never rectified. The fact that Winston acknowledges this makes me think he's probably the only person in this society that uses his brain.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
1984 - Ch. 2 & 3
"Always the eyes watching you and the voice enveloping you. Asleep or awake, working or eating, indoors or out of doors, in the bath or bed - no escape. Nothing was your own except the few cubic centimeters inside your skull" (Orwell 27).
I don't know how these people deal with a life like this. I would probably kill myself rather than living under constant scrutiny. I get mad when my mom doesn't knock on my bedroom door while these people's thoughts are being violated. The few centimeters these people had to themselves in their head must have been really small if they got convicted for thoughtcrimes. Winston seems like the only character in the book (so far) that sees something wrong with this society. He would love to get away but as he says, there is no escape. I think this is foreshadowing to a time when Winston will try & escape. Or he just might speak up against this totalitarian republic.
What is (Madame) Parsons' deal?
I don't know how these people deal with a life like this. I would probably kill myself rather than living under constant scrutiny. I get mad when my mom doesn't knock on my bedroom door while these people's thoughts are being violated. The few centimeters these people had to themselves in their head must have been really small if they got convicted for thoughtcrimes. Winston seems like the only character in the book (so far) that sees something wrong with this society. He would love to get away but as he says, there is no escape. I think this is foreshadowing to a time when Winston will try & escape. Or he just might speak up against this totalitarian republic.
What is (Madame) Parsons' deal?
Othello Paper
Ashley Ducrepin
H.E 10 – Mr. George
02.06.09
Othello
The renowned American journalist Helen Rowland once said, “Jealousy is the tie that binds, and binds, and binds.” Jealousy is one of the most terrible emotions to possess and once it is acquired, it is certainly difficult to conquer. It is also dangerous, because as it continues to accumulate it causes one to perform atrocious acts. In Shakespeare’s work, Othello, jealousy is a major theme that ultimately determines the course of actions throughout the play. At the start of the play we are immediately introduced to Iago, who is infuriated that his friend Othello nominated Cassio as his lieutenant. The thought of being less worthy of the position provokes a feeling of jealousy towards Cassio. Once that jealousy is established, he develops a resentful attitude towards Othello and attacks. This “tie” evolves into the thought of seeking revenge. While Iago’s actions seem unclear, his motive throughout the play is to satiate his envy and carry out a vengeance by corrupting Othello. He is under the impression that Othello slept with his wife, Emilia so he’ll stop at nothing to see Othello suffer. His first order of business, however, is to get Cassio out the picture and get closer to Othello. As the famous saying goes; “Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.”
Iago has his mind set on obtaining that role of lieutenant no matter what. He believes he is much more worthy of the position than Cassio: “Michael Cassio…that never set a squadron in the field,/Nor the division of a battle knows more than a spinster” (Shakespeare 1.1.17-21). Driven by jealousy and feeling more commendable of the position, Iago concocts a mischievous plan to cause Cassio’s displacement. Iago, well aware of Cassio’s low tolerance for alcohol, pressures him into drinking. After turning him down a couple of times, Cassio finally gives in and becomes drunk. He is so intoxicated that he picks a fight with Montano and stabs him. Othello comes out to see what all the fuss is about and is fuming that he’s been interrupted from a wonderful night with his wife, Desdemona. After learning what happened, Othello reluctantly informs Cassio, “Never more be officer of mine” (2.3.247). Not too long after Cassio is dismissed, Othello appoints Iago as his new lieutenant. It seems that Iago has accomplished what he sought out to achieve. However, Cassio was only a hindrance that he eliminated to gain something much greater than the responsibility of Othello’s lieutenant.
Being in the presence of Othello is an honor since he is such an admirable man in Cyprus. Despite the disapproved color of his skin, he is still respected especially for his service in war: “Othello, the fortitude of the place is/best known to you” (1.3.219-220). He has done so much for the city and Othello is aware of his power: “My parts, my title, and my perfect soul/shall manifest me rightly” (1.2.30-31). Any man would be happy to be in his shoes and those who failed to admit it were jealous. Iago remains the man to convey his detestation for Othello: “I do hate him [Othello] as I do hell-pains” (1.1.151). Iago uses the term “hell-pains” as a simile to show how much he hates Othello. The amount of hate Iago has for Othello is so great, it’s unimaginable. He has no respect for this honorable man and refers to him as, “the thick-lips” (1.1.62), “an old black ram” (1.1.85), and “a Barbary horse” (1.1.108-109). This hatred arises from his increased jealousy of Othello. As the jealousy accumulates, Iago looks to chastise Othello for supposedly sleeping with his wife.
Iago knows Desdemona is one of the most important factors in Othello’s life – if not the most important. Othello loves Desdemona very much, so Iago takes advantage of Othello’s vulnerability. Iago’s only chance of corrupting Othello is by damaging his relationship with her: “Nothing can or shall content my soul/Till I am evened with him, wife for wife …I put the Moor/At least into a jealousy so strong/That judgment cannot cure” (2.1.298-302). Iago uses his deceiving personality to make Othello believe Desdemona is committing adultery with the strapping Cassio. His reason for this horrid action is to satisfy his soul by becoming even with Othello. He wants Othello to know what it feels like to be betrayed. Unfortunately, Iago’s plan works out and it leads to the tragic deaths of many characters, including Desdemona and Othello.
While Iago’s actions seem unclear, his motive throughout the play is to satiate his envy and carry out a vengeance by corrupting Othello. Although his plan to get Cassio in trouble was knavish, it is clear why he did it. If one believes they truly deserve something and do not receive it, they have a right to be angry. Iago just went a little too far. He realized that if he could devise a plan to corrupt Cassio, then he can certainly corrupt Othello. Using his intelligence, Iago knew the only way he could heal his emotional wounds was to see Othello’s heartbroken. Just the thought of Desdemona with another man made Othello’s blood boil. In the end, Iago successfully corrupts Othello however he gains nothing out of it.
H.E 10 – Mr. George
02.06.09
Othello
The renowned American journalist Helen Rowland once said, “Jealousy is the tie that binds, and binds, and binds.” Jealousy is one of the most terrible emotions to possess and once it is acquired, it is certainly difficult to conquer. It is also dangerous, because as it continues to accumulate it causes one to perform atrocious acts. In Shakespeare’s work, Othello, jealousy is a major theme that ultimately determines the course of actions throughout the play. At the start of the play we are immediately introduced to Iago, who is infuriated that his friend Othello nominated Cassio as his lieutenant. The thought of being less worthy of the position provokes a feeling of jealousy towards Cassio. Once that jealousy is established, he develops a resentful attitude towards Othello and attacks. This “tie” evolves into the thought of seeking revenge. While Iago’s actions seem unclear, his motive throughout the play is to satiate his envy and carry out a vengeance by corrupting Othello. He is under the impression that Othello slept with his wife, Emilia so he’ll stop at nothing to see Othello suffer. His first order of business, however, is to get Cassio out the picture and get closer to Othello. As the famous saying goes; “Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.”
Iago has his mind set on obtaining that role of lieutenant no matter what. He believes he is much more worthy of the position than Cassio: “Michael Cassio…that never set a squadron in the field,/Nor the division of a battle knows more than a spinster” (Shakespeare 1.1.17-21). Driven by jealousy and feeling more commendable of the position, Iago concocts a mischievous plan to cause Cassio’s displacement. Iago, well aware of Cassio’s low tolerance for alcohol, pressures him into drinking. After turning him down a couple of times, Cassio finally gives in and becomes drunk. He is so intoxicated that he picks a fight with Montano and stabs him. Othello comes out to see what all the fuss is about and is fuming that he’s been interrupted from a wonderful night with his wife, Desdemona. After learning what happened, Othello reluctantly informs Cassio, “Never more be officer of mine” (2.3.247). Not too long after Cassio is dismissed, Othello appoints Iago as his new lieutenant. It seems that Iago has accomplished what he sought out to achieve. However, Cassio was only a hindrance that he eliminated to gain something much greater than the responsibility of Othello’s lieutenant.
Being in the presence of Othello is an honor since he is such an admirable man in Cyprus. Despite the disapproved color of his skin, he is still respected especially for his service in war: “Othello, the fortitude of the place is/best known to you” (1.3.219-220). He has done so much for the city and Othello is aware of his power: “My parts, my title, and my perfect soul/shall manifest me rightly” (1.2.30-31). Any man would be happy to be in his shoes and those who failed to admit it were jealous. Iago remains the man to convey his detestation for Othello: “I do hate him [Othello] as I do hell-pains” (1.1.151). Iago uses the term “hell-pains” as a simile to show how much he hates Othello. The amount of hate Iago has for Othello is so great, it’s unimaginable. He has no respect for this honorable man and refers to him as, “the thick-lips” (1.1.62), “an old black ram” (1.1.85), and “a Barbary horse” (1.1.108-109). This hatred arises from his increased jealousy of Othello. As the jealousy accumulates, Iago looks to chastise Othello for supposedly sleeping with his wife.
Iago knows Desdemona is one of the most important factors in Othello’s life – if not the most important. Othello loves Desdemona very much, so Iago takes advantage of Othello’s vulnerability. Iago’s only chance of corrupting Othello is by damaging his relationship with her: “Nothing can or shall content my soul/Till I am evened with him, wife for wife …I put the Moor/At least into a jealousy so strong/That judgment cannot cure” (2.1.298-302). Iago uses his deceiving personality to make Othello believe Desdemona is committing adultery with the strapping Cassio. His reason for this horrid action is to satisfy his soul by becoming even with Othello. He wants Othello to know what it feels like to be betrayed. Unfortunately, Iago’s plan works out and it leads to the tragic deaths of many characters, including Desdemona and Othello.
While Iago’s actions seem unclear, his motive throughout the play is to satiate his envy and carry out a vengeance by corrupting Othello. Although his plan to get Cassio in trouble was knavish, it is clear why he did it. If one believes they truly deserve something and do not receive it, they have a right to be angry. Iago just went a little too far. He realized that if he could devise a plan to corrupt Cassio, then he can certainly corrupt Othello. Using his intelligence, Iago knew the only way he could heal his emotional wounds was to see Othello’s heartbroken. Just the thought of Desdemona with another man made Othello’s blood boil. In the end, Iago successfully corrupts Othello however he gains nothing out of it.
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